Reading before bedtime is a tradition that many families share. A good book can stir up some memorable dreams and even serve as incentive to hit the sack for those children who are just too full of energy. Although I feel the importance of reading is high all year round, I especially love reading around the holidays. As a child, I couldn’t wait for stories of Santa Claus or piles of snow or of the Grinch. Some of my best Christmas memories stem from reading time on Christmas Eve. I still enjoy reading those stories today. So I’ve compiled a list of the Christmas-themed books I enjoyed the most as a child, or books I would have liked to read as a child, in no particular order. These are 10 of the best Christmas books for children to read (or for you to read to them) this holiday season.
10 Children’s Best Christmas Books
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
This story, which is one that’s turned into a fantastic film, is one of a young boy who jumps on a magical train that just happens to be traveling all the way to the North Pole. It is there that he meets Santa himself and learns what’s really worth believing in. This classic story is one for kids and adults!
The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman
This story, a famous ballet by Tchaikovsky, has touched the hearts of many through different mediums for centuries. It’s a classical tale that has maintained a sort of freshness worth sharing with your children!
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
‘Twas the night before Christmas… enough said. This classic story is one that every child should read!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
What happens when a small girl with a huge heart meets a green creature with a heart that’s two sizes too small? A great story, that’s what. When the Grinch steals Christmas, it’s none other than a little girl that makes him realize meaning of Christmas.
The Mitten by Jan Brett
A red mitten shows up in the forest and the animals aren’t sure what to make of it. Soon, all the animals take comfort in the cozy mitten!
5 More of The Best Christmas Books For Children:
The Twelve Days of Christmas (Accord Publishing)
This book may be better read as the lyrics to folk song, but it really makes reading fun! Have your children read (or sing) this classic!
Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
One of my favorite fictional characters as a child was the little French girl Madeline. And her magical Christmas story in Paris is one for the books!
A Christmas Carol originally by Charles Dickens
The story, adapted into a film, follows a foul man named Scrooge. Three ghosts of Christmas show him the importance of holiday kindness.
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
A farmer dreams that a snowstorm is coming. When he wakes up, a snowstorm has arrived!
Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton
Find out what happens when a skeleton dresses up as a jolly Santa. This twisted tale keeps everyone in the family entertained! Affiliate link below.
Books are a great way to bring the family together during the holidays. Reading together is one of the best way to get your kids reading by themselves too! Do you read Christmas books to your children? Which of these best Christmas books for children are your favorite?
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Ted Hilliard says
We have read most of these books to our children. However, we found a great new one called Closing the Book on Santa Claus by Ron Chandler. It is about a father who tries to save his daughter’s holiday celebration after it is cancelled at the local school. He organizes a rally at city hall, but unexpected calamity prevails. I would recommend this book to other readers, both adults and children. It also includes four other stories that will brighten everyone’s holiday season.
Ellen Hansen says
I have a new and great title to add to the list! It’s called “I Want an Alien for Christmas,” by Nick Santora. It’s available on Amazon. Why I love this book so much it it’s appeal to all ages. It’s a short chapter book that I read aloud to my 6 year old & my 11 year old and they both loved it. It’s hard to find stories that are appropriate for such an age gap. It is a heart warming story with action & humor. We all enjoyed it – adults & kids alike. I would definitely recommend checking this one out!